Thoma vs. TPG (buyout)

TPG

Honestly very similar in terms of the SF team but have a few key differences. TB is more focused on software and enterprise tech but TPG is more differentiated doing software but also healthcare, business services, media & comms. Not to say that TB doesn't do those as well but they're more tech focused in their approach. TB talks a lot about how they pioneered the buy and build approach on their site so that's another core area for them. Last thing that comes to mind is that for TPG, SF is their hq and that's not the case for TB with a large team Miami as well. Again it's unfair to say that TB's SF office isn't a main office but TPG has more investment professions there and so more work primarily gets done out of that office. Choosing between these does feel like splitting hairs though and they're both amazing at the end of the day. Maybe someone else can speak more to promotions, etc which could be a more deciding factor.

Having engaged with both of them on the sell side, the answer partly comes down to what you want to do with you career long term and what kinda resume are you trying to create 5 years down the line.

Apart from the above, objectively, TPG would be better in my view esp this early in your career.

TPG is a storied franchise, diverse in its investments (across sectors and platforms) and generally considered the 4th in the mega fund rankings. With diversity in investments there is some solace esp in the current tech down market. Gives you exposure to multiple sectors so you have broader base to launch your career without pigeonholed. Ofcourse the global brand helps arose the world incase you are adventurous or an international candidate.

TB is great as well if you want your resume to scream tech, it is certainly on the upswing (although starting to plateau) and well respected.

Can’t speak to culture as that’s intimate depending on where and which team you land.

Frankly can’t go wrong with either.

TPG's culture is truly toxic from the top down. They're basically the old school republicans who preach family values while getting caught soliciting male prostitutes in an airport bathroom. 

From their head of ESG (ironically) getting wrapped up in the varsity blues scandals, founders getting kicked off boards for inappropriate and very public comments to general abuse of anyone below them in status or seniority. I can't imagine any of the mega funds are particularly great to work for, but they're in a class of their own.